Deaf Reformed Church moves to new location

From: Danville Advocate - Danville,KY,USA - Jun 25, 2004

By JULIE McGLOTHLIN
Staff Writer

"Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one," reads Deuteronomy 6:4.

But for the deaf community in Danville, literally hearing the word of God can be difficult. However, the handful of deaf churches in the area make sure that everyone, hearing or not, can receive the teachings of the Bible.

The Deaf Reformed Church is one of these churches. Founded in 1997, the church expressly aims to "open the scriptures to the deaf" as well as other evangelistic and denominational ministry within the deaf community.

After spending years floating around, using a City of Danville meeting room and space in Grace Presbyterian Church, the church has moved to 3845 Moores Lane in Moreland. The Deaf Reformed Church now occupies the building that used to be New Hope Baptist Church, until they built a new building. Although the Deaf Reformed Church is currently leasing the building, they plan to purchase it within two years.

In addition to the benefits of having a fixed location, the new building offers Sunday school rooms, space for a new youth group, and room to grow. "It basically offers us everything we need to follow our mission for God's Word," says the Rev. Kevin Hamilton, pastor of the Deaf Reformed Church. "If we have a building, I believe that there will be more opportunities to minister to deaf people."

Although it is a small church, with approximately 35 members, the church is growing. Two families from Chicago who are looking into moving to town and a man from Texas who is relocating are all planning on joining the church. The congregation is made up of hearing as well as deaf members, providing an atmosphere in which families can worship together and all can receive the Lord as able.

The church offers two services on Sunday, at 11 a.m. and 7 p.m., and twice weekly bible studies, at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday and 7 p.m. on Wednesday. They even have a T.V. ministry; channel 6 broadcasts their services Monday evenings. They additionally minister to the deaf community in Chicago, spending every other weekend there leading bible study and worship and sending videotaped sermons on the other weekends. "It is hard work but its a blessing!" says Hamilton.

Hamilton has served the Deaf Reformed Church for six years and previously served as a Southern Baptist pastor in Eastern Kentucky. He was called to the ministry in his youth by the poignant scripture found in Romans 10:14. "How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?"

As the pastor of the Deaf Reformed Church of Danville, Hamilton ensures that his congregation can truly "hear" the Lord.

Copyright The Advocate-Messenger 2004